Today's Gaming Pulse
Resident Evil Requiem launches free demo after 7 million copies sold
Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem, which has sold over 7 million copies since its release three months ago, is now offering a free demo on Steam, Epic, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch 2. The demo lets players experience early chapters with protagonist Grace Ashcroft, though progress cannot be transferred to the full game.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Goldenpeak takes majority stake in Ampere Analysis
PUBG and Stellar Blade Come Together in the Unlikeliest Collab, and It'll Make Your Wallet Cry
PUBG Studios and Shift Up have teamed up to introduce Eve, the protagonist of Stellar Blade, as the third Contender skin in PUBG Battlegrounds’ Update 41.1. The new skin bundle includes a Nano Suit, War Dress, Comfort Force outfits and interchangeable hair options, but access is tied to PUBG’s gacha system, which can cost players hundreds to thousands of dollars. The update also adds a new PvE mode called Xeno Point on Miramar and destructible terrain on Erangel, alongside fresh attachments and a revamped Blue Chip Tower. PUBG’s 2026 roadmap pledges deeper narrative integration for future Contenders.
Dark Fantasy Tactical Game Annulus Lands on Android with Tons of Login Rewards
Annulus, a dark‑fantasy tactical RPG from Nirvana Game, has debuted on Android as a free‑to‑play title, joining its existing Steam release. Players assume the role of a mercenary captain on the war‑torn continent of Novisess, recruiting and training units across...
PGL Bucharest Playoff Bracket Set
The PGL Bucharest 2026 playoffs are now set, with quarter‑final matchups featuring pre‑tournament favorites PARIVISION versus The MongolZ, FUT against B8, Astralis versus EYEBALLERS, and MIBR taking on 3DMAX. Both FUT and Astralis entered the bracket unbeaten after five rounds...
Overwatch's New Hero Sierra Revealed in First Trailer
Blizzard Entertainment unveiled Sierra, the next Damage‑role hero for Overwatch, in an animated trailer that showcases her full‑auto energy rifle and tethered drone DoROTHy. The trailer, set on Watchpoint: Grand Mesa, demonstrates her ability to fire a targeting dart that...
Best Buy Is Giving Away a Super Mario Bros. 40th Anniversary Collectible Game Case for Free — How to Claim
Best Buy is offering a free Super Mario Bros. 40th‑anniversary collectible game case, a $20‑valued accessory, to customers who buy any two eligible Mario titles for Nintendo Switch or Switch 2. The promotion launched on April 8 and adds the case automatically at checkout once the...
From the C: To the /Mnt/S, Linux Is Better than Ever for PC Gaming – and Easier to Switch to...
The author switched from Windows 11 to the Arch‑based CachyOS after growing frustrated with AI‑heavy updates and performance slowdowns. Recent advances in Proton and tools like ProtonUp‑QT now let Linux run most Windows games with little hassle, making the platform a...
Choosing Joyful Validation Over Frustration in Parenting
"I’m there for joyful experience, not frustration. My son likes to gloat a little—nay, a lot. In the spirit of validation, I say as enthusiastically as possible: 'Yes, honey, thank you so much. It wouldn’t have been a lot of...
Rhythm Games Hit a New High Note Thanks to Independent Developers
Rhythm games have shifted from mainstream console hits like Guitar Hero to a vibrant indie‑driven renaissance. Small studios such as Beat Hazard, Crypt of the Necrodancer, and the upcoming People Of Note are fusing rhythm mechanics with RPG, shooter and...
Esports Foundation Confirms 16 Games for Esports Nations Cup 2026
The Esports Foundation announced a 16‑game lineup for the 2026 Esports Nations Cup, a nation‑based competition slated for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2‑29. The tournament mirrors the Olympic model by pitting countries against each other rather than club teams. This...
PARIVISION Slog Past Wildcard to Secure Final Bucharest Playoffs Berth
PARIVISION clinched the final PGL Bucharest 2026 playoff spot with a 2‑0 win over Wildcard. The victory hinged on a marathon 54‑round Mirage map—the third‑longest LAN match in CS2 history—followed by a tight 13‑11 Dust2. The North American roster, now...
PUBG: Battlegrounds' New PvE Mode Is All About Fighting Off an Alien Invasion, And/Or Hiding in a Big Man-Made Dirt...
Krafton has launched Xeno Point, a new four‑player co‑op PvE mode for PUBG: Battlegrounds that pits squads against waves of alien robots and boss encounters. The mode features three difficulty levels—normal, hard and impossible—and uses a difficulty‑amplifier system to unlock...
Pokemon Champions Review: An Unfinished Battle Sim with Huge Potential
Pokemon Champions launches as a free‑to‑play competitive battling simulator that excels at onboarding casual players, streamlining team‑building mechanics that were once labor‑intensive in the mainline titles. The game offers a modest roster of roughly 200 Pokémon and removes the grind...
Intel Updates Arc Graphics Driver with 'Gaming Support' For the GPU Gamers Aren't Getting
Intel released a new driver update that adds explicit gaming support for its Arc Pro B70 and B65 GPUs, which are built on the G31 silicon originally intended for gaming. The driver leverages optimisations from the Arc B580’s Xe2 architecture, but the G31’s...
Pokémon Champions Nerfs Sleep and Paralysis, and Fans Are Thrilled
Pokémon Champions, the new live‑service spin on the franchise, has rolled out balance tweaks that reduce the severity of Sleep and Paralysis status effects. Sleep now lasts only one to two turns, while Paralysis’s immobilization chance drops from 1‑in‑4 to...
Superstar Baseball Codes April 2026
Metavision released a fresh batch of Superstar Baseball codes for the Roblox title, offering free spins, lucky spins, and in‑game coins. The list includes DEADEYE, SKYBOUND, SOFTBALL, 90KLIKES, BLIGHT, TUTORIAL, and SUPERSTAR, each delivering specific rewards. Players redeem codes via...
Jailbreak Codes (April 2026)
Roblox Jailbreak has four active promotional codes as of April 8, 2026, offering cash rewards of 10,000 or 20,000 and two exclusive tire‑sticker cosmetics. Players redeem codes by interacting with any in‑game ATM and confirming the entry. The article also lists expired...
A Brutal, Single-Player Twist on Escape From Tarkov, Road to Vostok Has Finally Launched
Road to Vostok, a single‑player survival shooter inspired by Escape From Tarkov, has entered Steam Early Access at $14.99 with a 25% launch discount. Developed by Finnish indie Antti Leinonen, the game features a realistic day‑night cycle, weather, and seasonal...
Logitech Superstrike vs Razer Viper V4 Pro: The Battle for the Competitive Crown
Logitech’s G Pro X2 Superstrike introduces true analogue switches, aiming to shave milliseconds off click registration for low‑time‑to‑kill shooters. Razer counters with the Viper V4 Pro, a lighter 49‑g mouse featuring a 50,000‑dpi Focus Pro sensor, up to 180 hours of battery life and a more premium...
Gunnar Optiks Collabs with CD Projekt Red on Cyberpunk Dex Glasses
Gunnar Optiks has teamed up with CD Projekt Red to launch the Cyberpunk Dex glasses, a $125 accessory inspired by the Night City fixer Dexter DeShawn from Cyberpunk 2077. The limited‑edition frames blend blue‑light filtering technology with the game’s iconic aesthetic,...
GamesBeat Reveals Nominee Shortlist for Inaugural BOSS Mode Awards
GamesBeat has released the shortlist for its inaugural BOSS Mode Awards, naming 30 women leaders across three categories: Woman of the Year, Rising Star, and Lifetime Achievement. The nominees represent a cross‑section of senior talent from EA, Riot Games, Netflix,...
Peak Co-Developer Landfall Might Finance Your Next Indie Game
Swedish studio Landfall has launched Evil Landfall, a publishing offshoot that will provide project‑based funding and advisory support to indie developers. Led by CEO Kirsten‑Lee Naidoo, the label can invest up to $1 million per year in a handful of games that...
PocketGamer.biz Podcast: Skillz, Beamable and the Live Ops Shift
Skillz announced the acquisition of Beamable, aiming to transform its competitive‑gaming platform into a full‑service business operating system for game studios. The deal will combine Skillz's tournament infrastructure with Beamable's live‑ops and backend tools, enabling developers to focus on gameplay...
Hazard Levels Launches in Early Access for PC on April 30
Wales Interactive announced that its cooperative first‑person shooter Hazard Levels will enter Early Access on PC via Steam on April 30, 2026, with a full‑release slated for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC in Q4 2026. The game blends survival‑horror and physics‑driven gameplay,...
PlayerBase Is a New Initiative From Sony that Puts Your Face in PS5 Games
Sony announced PlayerBase, a new initiative that lets PlayStation fans embed their likenesses into upcoming PS5 games. The first title to feature this program is Gran Turismo 7, where a selected fan will appear as an in‑game character and collaborate on...
Huge Changes Coming to VCT in 2027
Riot Games will overhaul the Valorant Champions Tour in 2027, replacing its franchise league with an open tournament structure. Teams will start in open qualifiers, progress to regional events, then to international Masters and Champions stages. The new model introduces...
Hazelight Studios Celebrates 50 Million Game Sales Milestone
Hazelight Studios announced that its three games have sold over 50 million copies worldwide, with *It Takes Two* contributing 30 million units. The milestone underscores the studio’s success in the cooperative‑gaming niche since its 2018 debut with *A Way Out*. Hazelight’s consumer‑friendly...
Returning to GameCraft: Insightful Business Lessons & Growing Audience
Grateful to be back for another season of @gamecraftpod with @mitchlasky. Mitch has a unique ability to see the present clearly. I walk away smarter every episode. We started this to explain the business of games. I remain stunned by both...
Top Mobile Game Development Companies Driving Trends in 2026
The global mobile gaming market is projected to top $140 billion in 2026, with more than 3 billion players averaging $90 in annual spend. Emerging technologies—cloud streaming, AR/VR, and AI—are redefining gameplay, social features, and monetization models. Leading firms such as Tekrevol,...
007 First Light Faces Another Major Delay For Nintendo Players
IO Interactive announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of 007 First Light is delayed indefinitely, while the game stays on track for its May 27, 2026 launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The company offered no specific reason, citing a desire...
League of Legends Patch 26.08 Is Already in Trouble, as Riot Reviews Controversial Viego Buffs
Riot Games previewed League of Legends patch 26.08 with a proposed buff to Viego’s Q damage (raising it to 30) and increased missing‑HP scaling on his ultimate. The community reacted strongly, calling the changes “insane,” which led lead designer Matt...
Pokémon Champions Shakes up the Competitive Scene with Short List of Items and Monsters
Pokémon Champions launched on April 7 as a free‑to‑play live‑service battle platform, but its day‑one roster is limited to just 186 Pokémon. The game also offers a truncated selection of held items, omitting staples like Life Orb, Assault Vest, and Choice...
How to Unlock Pocahontas in Disney Dreamlight Valley
The Whispers of the Wind update adds Pocahontas to Disney Dreamlight Valley, but she isn’t unlocked with Dreamlight currency. Players receive a letter from Moana, collect glowing algae on Dazzle Beach, and follow a multi‑step quest involving petal winds, buried...
Arkanoid Played by an Orchestra
Japanese ensemble New Japan BGM Philharmonic Orchestra performed a full orchestral version of the 1986 arcade title Arkanoid’s brief original soundtrack. The performance, captured on video, transforms the game’s sub‑minute synth theme into a concert‑ready arrangement. By reimagining a classic...
007 First Light Release Date, Trailer, and Latest News
IO Interactive announced that 007 First Light will launch on May 27, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version arriving later that year. The game promises an original James Bond origin story presented in a third‑person...
Bungie Promises "Zero Tolerance" For Marathon Cheaters with New Reporting Tools
Developer Bungie announced a zero‑tolerance stance on cheating in its sci‑fi extraction shooter Marathon, rolling out new reporting tools and expanding telemetry to catch offenders. The latest patch, version 1.0.5.3, also rebalances gameplay by reducing melee knife effectiveness and making...
If You Hate Mobile Gaming with Touchscreen Controls, the New Android 17 Beta Update Could Be Your Saviour
Google’s Android 17 Beta introduces system‑wide controller remapping, letting users assign button layouts for any connected gamepad across the entire OS. The feature eliminates the need for per‑game configuration or third‑party companion apps, streamlining the mobile gaming experience. Android’s move...
LordKnight Releases His Winners and Losers Tier List for the Upcoming Guilty Gear Strive Version 2.00 Patch
LordKnight released a provisional Winners and Losers tier list ahead of Guilty Gear Strive version 2.00, scheduled for April 9, 2026. The list crowns Axl, Chipp and I‑No as the biggest beneficiaries, while Asuka, A.B.A. and Testament are flagged as major losers. Additional characters...
Crimson Desert: How to Solve the Hillside Manor Strongbox Puzzle
The Hillside Manor Strongbox is an early‑game puzzle in Crimson Desert, located on the second floor’s southwest corner of the manor in northeastern Hernand. Players can bypass hostile guards by slipping through a rear window, then must rotate three dials...
I Wish I Didn’t Care About 'Marathon' Player Numbers, But I Do
Bungie's new extraction shooter Marathon has sold roughly 1.2 million copies and now averages 20,000‑30,000 concurrent players on Steam. The title’s modest live‑service numbers contrast sharply with Sony’s $3.7 billion acquisition of Bungie and its desire for Fortnite‑scale revenue. Compared with failed...
Fast-Paced Action Adventure Game Koshmar: The Last Reverie Announced for Consoles, PC
Purple Ray Studio announced Koshmar: The Last Reverie, a single‑player action‑adventure slated for a 2027 release on PC via Steam and unspecified next‑gen consoles. The game follows Violet, a teen who explores lucid dreams and nightmarish realms, balancing combat, puzzle‑solving,...
Fuga: Melodies of Steel Is Bringing Its Acclaimed SRPG Experience to Mobile, Arriving in Summer 2026
CyberConnect2 announced that its tactical RPG *Fuga: Melodies of Steel* will debut on Android and iOS in summer 2026. The mobile version bundles the Deluxe Edition content and all three DLC packs at no extra charge. Optimized touch controls, multiple...
Bylina for PC Launches April 20
Bylina, a Slavic‑folklore‑inspired action RPG, launches on PC on April 20 via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. Developed by Far Far Games and published by Digital Vortex, the game follows the young bogatyr Falconet as he shares his body with...
Critics’ Week: Pocket Card Jockey’s Inevitable Hurtle Towards the Abyss
Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On, a Game Freak title, revives the delisted 3DS horse‑racing solitaire for Apple Arcade. The game pairs Golf‑style solitaire rounds with horse positioning, creating a strategic loop where card skill directly impacts race outcomes. A breeding mechanic...
The Switch 2 Version of 007 First Light Has Been Delayed Until This Summer
IO Interactive announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of 007 First Light will not arrive with the rest of the titles on May 27, 2026, but will be pushed to later summer. The PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC releases remain on schedule...
No Man’s Sky Xeno Arena Update Adds Pokémon-Style Battles
Hello Games has rolled out the Xeno Arena update for No Man’s Sky, introducing turn‑based creature battles that echo Pokémon. Players will explore planets, capture alien lifeforms, and recruit them as companions for strategic duels at Holo‑Arena tables in space...
Preview: We've Played Forza Horizon 6, And It's Potentially The Best Entry To Date
Forza Horizon 6’s preview reveals a massive, densely packed open‑world set in Japan, touted as the series’ most diverse map yet. The demo runs in a 30 FPS quality mode on Xbox Series S, delivering striking visuals and promising a 60 FPS performance mode...
VCT 2027 Gives More Teams a Shot at Masters and Champions with Open Qualifiers
Riot Games unveiled VCT 2027, a unified VALORANT esports tier that replaces regional leagues with open‑qualifier VCT Cups and accelerates progression to Masters and Champions. The new format offers multiple qualification windows, over 20 tournaments across 16 cities, and cash incentives for...
Scorbit Launches Real-Money Arcade Tournaments at Bars and Arcades | Exclusive
Scorbit, a smartphone‑based tournament platform, has launched real‑money arcade, pinball and barcade competitions that award cash prizes. The feature lets players compete in physical venues while wagering through the app, merging classic arcade gameplay with a connected, monetized experience. By...
Xbox’s New Era Needs Games Like Forza Horizon 6
Forza Horizon 6, the next open‑world racing entry, arrives with a sprawling Japan‑based map that blends neon‑lit cityscapes and rural backroads. A preview shows the game delivering the series' signature arcade fun while encouraging hours of side‑road exploration. Its launch coincides...
Forza Horizon 6 Takes You on a Ride Through the Beauty of Japan | Preview
Forza Horizon 6 transports players to a meticulously crafted open‑world version of Japan, letting them experience right‑hand drive and left‑hand traffic in a high‑speed racing sandbox. The preview highlights how the studio treated the country itself as a character, delivering...